At-Home Brushing & Flossing Tips For Cleaner Teeth

At-Home Brushing & Flossing Tips For Cleaner Teeth

Posted by Katerina Robinson on Dec 22 2022, 09:05 AM

At-Home Brushing & Flossing Tips For Cleaner Teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential for good oral health. In addition to removing food particles and plaque, brushing your teeth also gets rid of the bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay and gum disease. Listed below are some tips to keep in mind when brushing your teeth.

Brushing

  • Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Your brushing routine is undeniably important. The ADA recommends spending a total of two minutes twice a day on brushing and flossing. When you brush your teeth, focus on cleaning the surfaces of your front and back teeth. Then, switch to using gentle circular motions to clean your gums for another minute. This will prevent damaging the gums and wearing down the enamel or dentin of your teeth.

When you visit your dentist every six months for a checkup, he or she will assess your oral hygiene habits to look for signs of damage. If you notice that your tooth sensitivity has worsened since your last visit, let your doctor know. He or she may recommend changing your toothbrush or toothpaste.

  • Follow The Right Technique

Choose a toothbrush that is right for you. For example, if you have arthritis or weak hands, choose a handle that is ergonomically designed and easy to grip. You can also try an electric toothbrush for easy and effective brushing. A softer bristled brush is also recommended. Soft bristles allow for better plaque removal and less wear on the tooth enamel. Always allow your toothbrush to air dry between uses, and do not share brushes with other family members to avoid spreading bacteria.

  • Replace your toothbrush every four months

Always use a toothbrush with a soft head to avoid irritating sensitive gum tissue. Do not forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months to avoid any buildup of bacteria on your toothbrush. 

Flossing

While brushing your teeth twice a day is vitally important to good oral health, it’s equally important not to neglect to floss! Failing to do so could result in too many oral health issues to count. The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day. We recommend flossing before bed so you can remove all the harmful plaque and bacteria that build up throughout the day. This will also prevent bad breath and keep your gums healthy. Not sure how to properly floss? We’re here to help! Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

  • First, make sure you have the right supplies. You can use traditional string floss or opt for a water flosser if you have trouble using regular floss. Either way, you should be getting in between every tooth carefully to remove any food particles or debris. If you’re using thread floss, wrap it around each finger on each hand to help get a better grip. Start by working on the upper teeth. Gently slide the floss between the teeth toward the gum line. Don’t snap it down hard against the gums; use a gentle sawing motion instead. As you move the floss along, make sure to reach under the gum line as well. Repeat this process for the entire mouth. Once you’ve finished, rinse your mouth out with water to get any lingering particles or debris out of your oral cavity. After you’re done, you can brush your teeth as normal.
  • If you have trouble reaching certain areas due to crowded teeth, consider investing in an interdental brush. Slide them in between the teeth gently to remove leftover food and plaque from the interdental spaces. To clean them, simply run some water over them. You may need to replace them every few months or so, depending on how often you use them.

If you want to learn more about ways to take care of oral health, visit 406 Dentistry at 1315 U.S. Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States, or call (406) 890-6364 to schedule an appointment.

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